A trip to see the sustainable community of in Great Britain can help open the eyes of builders, community leaders and product manufacturers to the benefits of modern urban planning.

And when NAHB Chairman Randy Noel led a delegation of NAHB representatives to the community, a project that the began 20 years ago, it also served to open the eyes of foundation leaders to the benefits of the (NGBS) and – and how these resources may help the foundation partner with American builders and developers on future communities.

Noel and John Barrows, chair of the NAHB Education Committee and vice-chair of the Sustainable and Green Subcommittee, visited England at the invitation of a group of investors planning the redevelopment of Fort McPherson, a former Army base in Atlanta, into a mixed-use and mixed-income housing and commercial project.

The Poundbury visit – as well as a tour of the – sort of a mix between the and HBI – was informative, as well as thought provoking, Noel said.

One highlight: ongoing tests for energy efficiency and performance on two homes that are actually occupied by families. “Testing them with people in it – now, that makes sense,” Noel said.

Noel and Barrows hope the initial conversations can lead to more exposure for NAHB programs – especially as sustainable building leaders see the benefits of the association’s education initiatives and learn about builders’ and developers’ experiences working with the NGBS. “I think people are receptive to these ideas,” Noel said.